Stratford-upon-Avon
The New Theatre
The New Shakespeare Memorial Theatre, which arose from the ashes of the old theatre, was
opened on April 23 1932 by the Prince of Wales. Whatever you think of it as a building, it has
become one of the best-known landmarks in Great Britain, and a mecca for Shakespeare lovers from
all over the world. At the time of writing (June 2008) major reconstruction work is being carried out,
so the place will have a new look soon.  Meanwhile, have a look at some postcards of the building.  
The traditional and now world-famous view, which is now (2008) changing !
A view from the Bancroft. This postcard was mailed on 2 May 1937, just a few days
before I was born, and ten days before the coronation of George VI. The card bears
an Edward VIII postage stamp.  (030)
The New Theatre from the theatre gardens. Look at the fashions !!
The theatre from Waterside. This postcard was mailed in 1945.
Both the old and new theatres were originally known as "The
Shakespeare Memorial Theatre". The name was changed to
"The Royal Shakespeare Theatre" in I think the 1960s.
To see what's on at the theatre, click
on this link to the RSC.
A postcard from the late 1920s.
Three interior views of the New Theatre.
The Foyer Cafe in the New Theatre.


This interesting old
postcard was sent to
us by Richard Hayden
from Exeter. On the
back of the card it
reads, in pen: "This is a
picture of one of the
piles for the New
Theatre". It was sent to
Joseph Fry, son of the
proprietor of the
Golden Lion Hotel, John
Fry, on 18 February
1929. If you click on the
image and get an
enlarged view, you can
see what I think is the
bandstand on the rec in
the
background.
A nice old postcard from the 1930s showing the New Theatre, the Bancroft and the Basin.
Postcards of the Past
A top quality postcard of the theatre by Antona of Chipping Norton - probably dating from the late 1930s.
Custom Search
This theatre has a long and interesting
history - search the internet and see
what you can discover !!